LTC (Retired) Roberta "Robbi" Allyn Elmore Dyer, 78, of Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Born in Rockville Centre, New York on December 20, 1946 to Duane and Helen (Marchese) Elmore, Robbi lived a life of service, scholarship, and creative passion.

After completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from the University of Connecticut, she commissioned into the Women's Army Corps (WACS) in 1970, making her one of the last of the cohort of women who blazed a trail of military service before the WACS were merged into the Regular Army in 1978.  After two years of active duty, she returned to UCONN to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  Additional studies included work toward advanced degrees at Tulane (MPH) and the University of Colorado (PhD).

Later, Robbi shared her expertise as an Associate Professor of Nursing, inspiring students with her knowledge and dedication. She built a distinguished military career of 22 years, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.  Her service took her around the world, including postings in Germany and Honduras. Throughout her military career, Robbi dedicated herself to improving healthcare access for underserved populations, with a special focus on supporting young mothers and their children. Her compassionate care helped improve public health in ways that will touch communities for generations.

On January 18, 1975, Robbi married the love of her life, LTC (Retired) Colonel Curtis J. Dyer of Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Their 45-year union was a testament of their commitment to each other and the values they held dear. Robbi's Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her decisions and inspiring service to others.

Her love for the arts never waned.  Beyond her professional accomplishments, Robbi found joy in sewing, costume design, reading, and shopping - especially for fabric, purses, and shoes! As a couple, the Dyers sought to integrate each other's special interests and hobbies. Curtis was a gifted rifleman and skilled hunter. Robbi was a talented costume designer. They participated in U.S. Civil War reenactments in Germany, where Curtis could carry a rifle, and Robbi would craft authentic period costumes. They remained active in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) for several years.  With Curtis as her model, Robbi's costume designs earned her several first-place awards at national competitions in a variety of genres.

Like her father, Robbi was a passionate reader of mysteries. However, her immense library covered diverse topics such as science fiction, fantasy, history, and politics. Her collection of religious texts, including Catholic apologetics and comparative religion, was impressive and matched only by the depth of her study of faith.

Robbi was predeceased by her husband Curtis, her parents, Duane and Helen (Marchese) Elmore, her brothers John and Paul, and Paul's wife Susan. She is survived by her sisters Dorothy (Allen) Manganaro and Rosemary Hames of Massachusetts, her brother Steven (Deborah) Elmore of Michigan, and her brother-in-law G. Michael Gavin of Muskogee, as well as several nieces, nephews, and great- nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1010 NW 82nd St, Lawton, OK 73505, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Sill National Cemetery, 2648 NE Jake Dunn Road, Elgin, OK 73538 at 2:00 p.m. the same day.

Arrangements are under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

The service may be viewed by following the Livestream link at www.beckerfuneral.com or by visiting the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations be made to Catholic Relief Services: https://support.crs.org/donate/memorial